It was hard living in Staten Island, New York after 911. It was so depressing for me and family and friends. We were burnt out because of it. If I did not watch comedy central - Colin Quinn, Nick DePaolo and the gang, I don't know where I would be. I was so sick after 911, and a little laugh at night with Colin was what I needed after watching Fox news all day. Please don't knock down comedy. It really helps depression and helps you live longer to laugh out loud. Surveys say if you watch comedy, your good cells destroy bad ones and you live longer and healthier. I guess a dose of comedy a day keeps the doctor away. No kidding. I wish the regulars from tough crowd would go on tour. I know a lot of people who would go see them. Just like Jeff Foxworthy and his crew tour. Also some people just don't get political comedy or have the common sense you need for it, and that is why they cannot connect to this show.
17 Reviews
It all depended on the crowd...
kegl911327 September 2006
To me there were two versions of this show. There was Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn featuring Jim Norton, and Tough Crowd featuring the struggling Colin Quinn. Poor Quinn just can't hold a show on his own, but as a college student who needed something to bridge the gap between the Daily Show and Conan, Quinn became the show to watch. Most people give Quinn a hard time for constantly flubbing lines and barely getting jokes out, but eventually I noticed it was funnier to see him mess up and accept failure. Quinn never acted like he was a comedic genius, and he was always the first to point out his failures.
...Anyway, onto Norton. Jim Norton is such a versatile guy, after his over the top schtick on the Opie and Anthony Show, you'd never think he'd still have material suitable for Leno. But Norton always delivered the lines that had the rest of the guests rolling on the floor. Whereas Quinn would always claim that the show would get edgy, it was always Norton that did the actual pushing. Quick to point out the short coming of any argument and then follow it with a edgy insult, Norton was usually a guarantee for a good show.
...Anyway, onto Norton. Jim Norton is such a versatile guy, after his over the top schtick on the Opie and Anthony Show, you'd never think he'd still have material suitable for Leno. But Norton always delivered the lines that had the rest of the guests rolling on the floor. Whereas Quinn would always claim that the show would get edgy, it was always Norton that did the actual pushing. Quick to point out the short coming of any argument and then follow it with a edgy insult, Norton was usually a guarantee for a good show.
Real...
JohnI-25 November 2004
I never liked Colin Quinn, neither on SNL nor in any of his other roles. However, I do very much enjoy 'Tough Crowd'. I think the appealing force of the show was the real comedians and their real exchanges, and the sense of real friends coming together to discuss and ridicule the issues of the day. Real friends, not the hackneyed cardboard cutouts you find on the show 'Friends'. If a fictional sitcom analogy has to be made, then it is more along the lines of 'Cheers'.
I believe this show has little in common with 'Politically Incorrect', although many make the comparison. That program was primarily politically focused, not focused on comedy. 'Tough Crowd' on the other hand, was focused on comedy. Some have made claims about the show being a failed conservative mouth piece, or not a liberal showpiece like P.I., but I watch this type of television for comedy and entertainment, not political advocacy. I happen to believe in freedom, and not leftist socialism or rightist authoritarianism, and I supported neither Bush nor Kerry, but I enjoyed the show regardless, because I enjoyed it on its merits, and did not let political ideology permeate all aspects of my life and prejudice my enjoyment of the program.
I believe this show has little in common with 'Politically Incorrect', although many make the comparison. That program was primarily politically focused, not focused on comedy. 'Tough Crowd' on the other hand, was focused on comedy. Some have made claims about the show being a failed conservative mouth piece, or not a liberal showpiece like P.I., but I watch this type of television for comedy and entertainment, not political advocacy. I happen to believe in freedom, and not leftist socialism or rightist authoritarianism, and I supported neither Bush nor Kerry, but I enjoyed the show regardless, because I enjoyed it on its merits, and did not let political ideology permeate all aspects of my life and prejudice my enjoyment of the program.
Tragic loss to satire and critical thinking when cancelled
emefay21 April 2007
What a tragic waste when this show was cancelled. I could not agree more with reviewer "peddlerofbls." Colin has such a sharp mind, and had such self-confidence that he chose truly bright and funny people like Judy Gold, Patrice O'Neal, and Greg Giraldo, who did not toady to him by any means, but added their own super-acute two cents while commenting on issues of the day.
The fact that Comedy Central took him off and yet keeps such infantile rubbish as South Park and Dave Chappelle is so maddening. Sure, Colbert Report and Daily Show are pretty good in their own ways, but they are not the feast for real intellectuals that Colin Quinn's Tough Crowd was.
Comedy Central cannot begin to be taken as "cutting edge" when it sidelines truly edgy fare as Tough Crowd and panders to middle-of-the-roaders who kid themselves they are witty because they watch Jon Stewart smirk nightly.
The old saying "cream rises to the top" is completely false. In TV, including Comedy Central, "mediocrity rises to the top." Quelle dommage.
BRING BACK TOUGH CROWD, you cretins at C. C.!!!!
The fact that Comedy Central took him off and yet keeps such infantile rubbish as South Park and Dave Chappelle is so maddening. Sure, Colbert Report and Daily Show are pretty good in their own ways, but they are not the feast for real intellectuals that Colin Quinn's Tough Crowd was.
Comedy Central cannot begin to be taken as "cutting edge" when it sidelines truly edgy fare as Tough Crowd and panders to middle-of-the-roaders who kid themselves they are witty because they watch Jon Stewart smirk nightly.
The old saying "cream rises to the top" is completely false. In TV, including Comedy Central, "mediocrity rises to the top." Quelle dommage.
BRING BACK TOUGH CROWD, you cretins at C. C.!!!!
one of the best shows ever!
RainingSmoke25 May 2006
terrific exposure for new york comics was my favorite part of the show.Colin Quinn,Patrice o'Neal,nick dipole,Jim Norton and Greg Giraldo were hilarious and i loved the departure from the daily shows liberal views.they would talk about ANYTHING and some conversations got very heated too(i loved when Giraldo shut proops up).it was a one-of-a-kind show that most people dismissed,it was a hard comedy show.everything that replaced it was not as good,at least you can still catch some of the guys on opie and Anthony.i also blame comedy central for not promoting it enough,as they have done with the Colbert report,too late,weekends at the dl,and the showbiz show.
Film at 11
peddlerofbls18 December 2005
Every time I read a review of this show it's always some kind of failed comparison to Politically Incorrect. There's no comparison because they're two different shows. Like Quinn said "They had experts and none of us are experts. We don't claim to be." Most of these reviews come from people who don't agree with Quinn on things like the war so automatically they trash him and label him uninformed or stupid.
Either way you vote Quinn was honest and wouldn't let anyone get away with hacky moves for applause like Marc Maron, which is nice these days. Every show on TV relies on weak, yuppie comedy that makes me want to toss my set from a Buick and hit a cyclist. WOO BUSH IS STUPID!!! YEAH LETS GO LOCK OURSELVES IN MIKE'S TRUNK!! If you're into that sort of thing keep catching Bill Maher on Larry King, turn your dials to ABC on Friday nights and leave comedy to people who know what they're doing.
Boycott Comedy Central.
Sincerely, Dinner for..1?
Either way you vote Quinn was honest and wouldn't let anyone get away with hacky moves for applause like Marc Maron, which is nice these days. Every show on TV relies on weak, yuppie comedy that makes me want to toss my set from a Buick and hit a cyclist. WOO BUSH IS STUPID!!! YEAH LETS GO LOCK OURSELVES IN MIKE'S TRUNK!! If you're into that sort of thing keep catching Bill Maher on Larry King, turn your dials to ABC on Friday nights and leave comedy to people who know what they're doing.
Boycott Comedy Central.
Sincerely, Dinner for..1?
What 'Politically Incorrect' should have been
savman11 April 2003
I was a little leery of watching this show as I'm not a big fan of Colin Quinn or his time as the host of Weekend Update on SNL. What a surprise! I found 'Tough Crowd' to be very amusing, and not afraid to talk about issues with total frankness. This show is what 'Politically Incorrect' should have been, if Bill Maher hadn't stacked the deck with liberal types so that he could get the warm-and-fuzzies about what he constantly spewed on the show. Colin Quinn really has a good mix of people with views that aren't too one-sided. And the constant banter and insults flying back and forth give it a little extra zing. I hope this time 'Tough Crowd' can hang on.
Excellent and true show
TheJaz98225 March 2003
This is a great Show. Colin Quinn to me was okay as an anchor of Weekend Update, but this showcases his talent in a great way.
Some people have already compared it to "Politically Incorrect" which by first looks it is sort of. A group of 4 that talk about the issues right? But keep looking and you will find that there are no Experts, No Politicians and authors telling America How it should be run. Just Comedians that talk about how issues effect them. Then they add in for some flavor and insult each other, but all in good fun, cause the group members are all friends to each other (And Quinn).
They normally Do 2 topics of debate, then Colin does what he calls the "3rd Act" which he does a bit of his act or something fun with the Headlining guest. The 4th act is a group activity in which they make up their own comments to a topic earlier in the show.
It Follows "The Daily Show" on Comedy Central Every Mon-Thurs night. Great for everyone (that is if you don't like being Politically Correct.)
Some people have already compared it to "Politically Incorrect" which by first looks it is sort of. A group of 4 that talk about the issues right? But keep looking and you will find that there are no Experts, No Politicians and authors telling America How it should be run. Just Comedians that talk about how issues effect them. Then they add in for some flavor and insult each other, but all in good fun, cause the group members are all friends to each other (And Quinn).
They normally Do 2 topics of debate, then Colin does what he calls the "3rd Act" which he does a bit of his act or something fun with the Headlining guest. The 4th act is a group activity in which they make up their own comments to a topic earlier in the show.
It Follows "The Daily Show" on Comedy Central Every Mon-Thurs night. Great for everyone (that is if you don't like being Politically Correct.)
Surprisingly addictive
Bobs-923 April 2003
When I first started watching this show, my impression was that it was getting off to a creaky start, the format was unwieldy, and Colin didn't seem to control it very well. I couldn't write it off, however, because I kept getting huge, healthy belly-laughs from it, and you've got to be grateful for that. Every evening I would look at the clock, think it's getting late and that I would not stay tuned, but always wound up doing so. I've built up a great affection for this show since then, and I'm glad to see that Comedy Central seems to be giving it a good chance to build a following. The post-"Daily Show" timeslot doesn't hurt, either.
It's not always easy to read whether an opinion expressed there is genuine or something said just for comedic effect, which to me is part of the fun. On the whole, and with some exceptions, the comedians on Colin's panel don't seem the sort of self-righteous windbags you'd see on a typical "Politically Correct with Bill Maher" show, a program to which this has been compared. Stupidity stated with conviction is usually just stupid, not funny. But even the most ill-informed of Colin's panelist can make me laugh while simultaneously p***ing me off, and there's always someone there to lob it right back at them to good effect.
Colin himself always appears to be incredibly ill at east, struggling with the prepared material on the show, and often seems to apologize in advance for the likelihood of some particular bit of comedy bombing. I'm not sure if there's any calculation in that, to get the crowd on his side, but I can't help liking Colin and rooting for him. If I'm being manipulated, so what? To quote John Belushi in "Animal House," it don't cost nothin'. Actually, I don't see any great need for including the troublesome prepared material in the so-called "third act," and would just as soon see the panel continue riffing on various topics during that time. I'd keep the various prepared closing rants each panelist delivers at the end, though, as they're often very funny and inventive, and give a good idea of the typical style of each comedian.
I really enjoy the vulgar camaraderie of these unruly comedic road warriors, and Colin's sometimes frustrated efforts to preside over them. To me, he's the perfect man for the job.
It's not always easy to read whether an opinion expressed there is genuine or something said just for comedic effect, which to me is part of the fun. On the whole, and with some exceptions, the comedians on Colin's panel don't seem the sort of self-righteous windbags you'd see on a typical "Politically Correct with Bill Maher" show, a program to which this has been compared. Stupidity stated with conviction is usually just stupid, not funny. But even the most ill-informed of Colin's panelist can make me laugh while simultaneously p***ing me off, and there's always someone there to lob it right back at them to good effect.
Colin himself always appears to be incredibly ill at east, struggling with the prepared material on the show, and often seems to apologize in advance for the likelihood of some particular bit of comedy bombing. I'm not sure if there's any calculation in that, to get the crowd on his side, but I can't help liking Colin and rooting for him. If I'm being manipulated, so what? To quote John Belushi in "Animal House," it don't cost nothin'. Actually, I don't see any great need for including the troublesome prepared material in the so-called "third act," and would just as soon see the panel continue riffing on various topics during that time. I'd keep the various prepared closing rants each panelist delivers at the end, though, as they're often very funny and inventive, and give a good idea of the typical style of each comedian.
I really enjoy the vulgar camaraderie of these unruly comedic road warriors, and Colin's sometimes frustrated efforts to preside over them. To me, he's the perfect man for the job.
A great complement to the Daily Show
thegreatgrundle18 September 2003
Finally we've got something to watch at 11:30. This is, usually, a very funny show. I say usually, because the success of the show is based greatly on who they have on the show every day. Because, quite frankly, Colin Quinn is not funny, and he's the only one on the show every night. He doesn't have anything funny to say, and when he does have a good comment, he messes up the delivery and stutters into his obligatory apology.
Anywho, when they have their best on the show (i.e. Greg Giraldo, Jim Norton, Nick DiPaulo, etc.) it's one of the funniest on TV. And when Jon Stewart was on, I almost p***ed myself I was laughing so hard. And the surprising part is, these guys actually have intelligent things to say. The only thing I think they should cut out is the "third act", where Colin takes over with some truly awful pre-written material that makes me cringe more than laugh. They should just let the comedians rip each other apart for an extra 7 minutes every episode.
Anywho, when they have their best on the show (i.e. Greg Giraldo, Jim Norton, Nick DiPaulo, etc.) it's one of the funniest on TV. And when Jon Stewart was on, I almost p***ed myself I was laughing so hard. And the surprising part is, these guys actually have intelligent things to say. The only thing I think they should cut out is the "third act", where Colin takes over with some truly awful pre-written material that makes me cringe more than laugh. They should just let the comedians rip each other apart for an extra 7 minutes every episode.
Truly Politically Incorrect, Unlike Bill Maher...
kazvorpal4 December 2004
This show was very politically incorrect, which made it not only one of the most entertaining shows on the air, but also one of the healthiest. The ideological repression of Liberalism, especially the extreme California variety, is unhealthier than Victorian culture and life under the Taliban combined, and along the same lines.
And one symptom would be that this clever show was pulled despite its success. If you want to see how good it was, just do a search for the title on Google, and see how many pages turn up with Liberals saying it's the most dangerous, harmful TV since Limbaugh got yanked. Remember, negative comments are the best indicator that a show is successful.
On this show, little or nothing was taboo, which is how normal human conversation itself should be. The guests constantly mocked stereotypes, insulted anyone famous they could think of, and destroyed every socio-political event and idea that they came across, good or bad. It was a more entertaining...and informative...version of the McLaughlin Group. It was everything Bill Maher ever told himself Politically Incorrect could be -- Maher being SO politically correct that he was never able to come close, himself. One can only patronize female guests over how tough it is to be a woman in a sexist society, whine about how evil capitalists are destroying the environment, et cetera /so/ many times before you lose your non-PC credentials.
That final segment they did each day, with the contrived sketches, was horrible, though. A total waste of precious time they could have spent battering some conventional wisdom.
If this ever comes out on DVD, I'm there. If Quinn, or any of several regular guests, or anyone else with gonads, ever makes another show like this, I'll follow it with stalker-like enthusiasm.
And one symptom would be that this clever show was pulled despite its success. If you want to see how good it was, just do a search for the title on Google, and see how many pages turn up with Liberals saying it's the most dangerous, harmful TV since Limbaugh got yanked. Remember, negative comments are the best indicator that a show is successful.
On this show, little or nothing was taboo, which is how normal human conversation itself should be. The guests constantly mocked stereotypes, insulted anyone famous they could think of, and destroyed every socio-political event and idea that they came across, good or bad. It was a more entertaining...and informative...version of the McLaughlin Group. It was everything Bill Maher ever told himself Politically Incorrect could be -- Maher being SO politically correct that he was never able to come close, himself. One can only patronize female guests over how tough it is to be a woman in a sexist society, whine about how evil capitalists are destroying the environment, et cetera /so/ many times before you lose your non-PC credentials.
That final segment they did each day, with the contrived sketches, was horrible, though. A total waste of precious time they could have spent battering some conventional wisdom.
If this ever comes out on DVD, I'm there. If Quinn, or any of several regular guests, or anyone else with gonads, ever makes another show like this, I'll follow it with stalker-like enthusiasm.
gorilla.. no like... liberals!!!
onepotato231 May 2004
Colin Quinn attempts to make himself over as a conservative mouthpiece, but he really doesn't have the chops for it. The 'transformation' was required because as a comedian his chronically unfunny Boston meathead viewpoint held no potential. This show serves to confirm that comedy still eludes him and that that previous gig was just an attempt to hide his anger behind a sometimes smiling face. He reminds me of Brutus in the Popeye cartoons. As you watch him you can see that he has great difficulty getting his lips in sync with his brain. His primitive mind tires of every topic before he's even partially considered it, probably so he can resume thinking about beer. Like all inarticulate people, his exasperation grows as he nears the end of his reasoning ability and the limits of his communication skills. The result is a transparent reactive posture that won't get him mocked by his southie buddies. His anger is understandable; I'd be angry too if my ambition outpaced the sub-standard brain I'd been given.
A chimp could make more persuasive conservative arguments.
A chimp could make more persuasive conservative arguments.
Colin is the absolute worst choice for the host of this show
winelover3729 June 2004
For so long I had watched a similar format of this show which was great called "Politically Incorrect" with Bill Maher. Bill was articulate, informed and made valid arguments for his opinions yet let the panel speak their minds as well and so the show was balanced, fair and funny. Colin Quinn for "Tough Crowd" just can't cut it and is quite the opposite of Bill Maher. Colin doesn't take the time or have the intelligence to stay informed of key political and social issues. Whenever he does "try" to bring up an issue through his babbling of fragmented sentences and incomplete thoughts, the comic panel's eyes dart back and forth to each other, as they scramble to put together a comment to cover Colin's butt because he never really asked a question throughout his ramblings in the first place. Colin then gets flustered and either brings up the race card or lashes out at one of the comedians. Colin is as articulate and eloquent as a man with Turrets Syndrome without the expletives. It seems as if Colin has to "cram" 30 minutes before the show to try once more to sound informed. I think Colin graduated "Sum Cum Laude" at "Take it in the Brown" University, hence his habit of "cramming", which is probably how he got the gig at "Tough Crowd" in the first place. Has anyone seen Bill Maher? We all miss him.
A little shaky but still a good show...
aliengremlin22 March 2003
Colin Quinn is held as either one of the best or one of the worst hosts in SNLs Weekend Update history. I liked him in it and like him on this show too. Colin heads up a group of four other comedians who debate or agree with each other on current events. Most of the time it's a funny show despite hitting the occasional speed bump. The comedians rip on each other as much as they talk about the topic at hand which end up pretty funny.
Its all about Pat Cooper
ivyleague313 June 2004
America is the land of milk and honey.
I have to say that I love late night TV. 2000 years from now, our ancestors will be looking at Jon Stewart and Conan the same way kids learn about Socrates or Plato.
I usually watch Stewart, then Leno's Monologue, then Letterman's guests, then Conan, then I fall asleep after he stops rambling (which everyone knows is the best part anyway).
So I would like to declare that I have made a schedule change. Goodbye Leno, hello Tough Crowd. If Pat Cooper has an IMDb account, I want him to know that he is the funniest one there.
I have to say that I love late night TV. 2000 years from now, our ancestors will be looking at Jon Stewart and Conan the same way kids learn about Socrates or Plato.
I usually watch Stewart, then Leno's Monologue, then Letterman's guests, then Conan, then I fall asleep after he stops rambling (which everyone knows is the best part anyway).
So I would like to declare that I have made a schedule change. Goodbye Leno, hello Tough Crowd. If Pat Cooper has an IMDb account, I want him to know that he is the funniest one there.
Contrived, Trying too hard.
wilma11511429 April 2003
This show is going where Politically Incorrect left off. It could be a good show, but everyone on the show is ALWAYS trying to scrounge for something "witty" or "funny" to say. The whole concept of "We're not afraid to say what we want, we're different, Totally no-holds-barred" is not cutting edge. This show is just "I have a funny, funny joke, im gonna tell it!"
Shut up, stupid
ilcaccitore13 October 2003
I generally watch "Tough Crowd" every night, or at least the opening monoloue. All I would like to know is, how did Colin Quinn get on TV in the first place. He was never funny on SNL, and is very rarely funny on "Tough Crowd." Its not just that I disagree with him more often than not, I just don't find him funny. It seems that he simply states the facts and expects the audience to find it funny. All he ever seems to be good at is insult comedy, and, frankly, anyone can make fun of someone. Furthermore, even his insults seem bland. The only one he can ever come up with is "Shut up, stupid." To be blunt, shut up, stupid.
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